2020 Audi S6

History/Overview

The Audi S6 traces its history to the mid-1990s, when it emerged as a high-performance version of the then newly named A6, a car previously known as the Audi 100. For 2020, the S6 is all new, having been redesigned into its fifth generation.

Available Trims

The S6 comes in a single trim, being positioned as something of an extension of the A6 line in terms of equipment and features. For 2020, the S6 adopts 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain technology introduced in the 2019 A6. In this case, an electric motor provides a power boost to a 2.9L turbocharged V6. That pairing comes matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.

Standard Features

S6 standard exterior and mechanical kit includes 20-inch wheels with performance tires, engine auto start/stop, drive modes, air suspension, adaptive rain-sensing wipers, loose wheel detection, passive keyless entry, power-folding, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, headlight washers, LED headlights and taillights with dynamic rear turn signals and daytime running lights, an air ionizer and fragrance spritzer, a power trunklid and a sport exhaust.

Interior features included in the S6 are navigation, Amazon Alexa integration, a digital gauge cluster, a flat-bottom steering wheel (non-heated), power door closers, electric steering column adjustments, ambient interior lighting, four-zone climate control, sport seats with front-seat four-way lumbar, heated front and rear seats, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, 3D sound system, Valcona upholstery with leatherette dash trim, a power rear window sun shade, manual rear side window shades, a head-up driver display, shift paddles, a black headliner, and cruise control.

S6 safety features include 360-degree exterior camera views, tire pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, pre-sense basic and city collision avoidance assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and Audi exit assist.

Key Options

A sport package brings a sport rear differential, dynamic all-wheel steering and red brake calipers.

The driver assistance group bundles traffic sign recognition, turn and traffic congestion assists, active lane assist, predictive efficiency, and active cruise control.

There's a contour seat package that adds 14-way front seats with massage, full leather, and passenger seat memory.

Finally, a heated steering wheel is optional, but replaces the flat-bottom wheel with a round one.

Fuel Economy

As of this writing, Audi had not published fuel consumption estimates for its 2020 models. The last S6 was a much different machine, powered by a turbocharged V8, so count on this new mild hybrid version boasting more impressive fuel consumption ratings than that 2018 version's 15.0/10.0 L/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

The Audi S6 does not compete with full-on performance models from other luxury manufacturers. Rather, it goes up against cars like the BMW M550i, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 (which, coincidentally, has its own mild hybrid powertrain), the Volvo S90 T8 PHEV and Cadillac CT6 models equipped with that car's optional twin-turbo V6.